Thursday, June 21, 2007
Kitten
His name has been changed again. It is now Rush Limbaugh. Yes, I have warped my kids. No, it wasn't my idea. He seems to like outside and doesn't want to come in as soon as I put him out. That's good, since it will be where he lives, b/c none of our allergies will be able to handle the dander in the house. I also refuse to have pets in the house for the shedding too. Our big lab, Murphy seems okay with him, he's still not totally sure about Murphy.
Yes, I know pics are long over due. I just put my camera software back on the computer, so I can access everything that's been on my camera since February.
Monday, June 18, 2007
It's been over a month.
Ya, life is good.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
A RIver Runs Through It.
I called out a guy who specializes in floor leveling and fixing crawl space foundations (I will call it csf from here). J has done some csf work before and we had an idea of what we would do, but we decided to get and estimate and hear from the "professional". This is another instance where we just don't feel like we can trust others to do the work. What the guy told us "needed" to be done is really not the issue and even though it could use some work. If your nervous about the process is easy (it's just uncomfortable because it's under the house, ewww).
This guy went under our house and gave us an estimate of $2,000 to replace 1 stringer and add a few supports to that stringer. As we ripped up our dinning sub floor (which is needed to level before we add new floor) we saw that their are 2 stringers in the dining/office section and 2 in the living room/entry section. The stingers remove flex in the floor and could be better, but they are okay. Our issue was in a big dip on each side of the door between the living and dining room. That issue is minimal and a very simple fix. This guy was going to charge us a ton of money for nothing. I'm so glad we decided to fix it ourselves and started to rip the floor up to see we were going to be riped off.
As it stands I only have 1/2 of the sub floor down in my dining room and with all of the rain (over 6 inches in the last 9 days-this isn't counting the rain we got at the end of April) we have a small pond under the dining room and a lake under the living room. We can't rip op the rest of the floor until the rain stops so we don't sink in the mud. We now have to find out if the water is high water table, rain or both. I guess the fix for that will be a little easier with the floor out. Also our 107 year old house has knob and tube wiring, so we get to work on that too. It just never ends.
We are crazy, that or stupid, I'm not sure which yet.
**Yes, I know I need to post lots of pictures, but I still haven't loaded my camera software onto the old computer yet.
HE'S PURPLE!
I look to see Owen doing his "business". He was red and holding his breath as he went. Jackson I guess was assuming that he was going to die. I just laughed.
The funny thing about him freaking out about the baby is the fact that he started talking about the babies at the hospital today. It's been 10 months and he hasn't mentioned the hospital, until today. He does remember it well, we did spend enough time there.
Dusty
Friday, May 04, 2007
Prayer Request!
Please pray for strength, peace, comfort and healing for Dusty.
Please pray for peace and comfort for his family (his wife, 2 kids, parents, sister, etc).
Please pray for good competent doctors and nurses and that the Lord will bless them as they take care of him.
Thank you!
***This was what I posted on myspace if you received this in an e-mail also, that is why there is the "found in my friends" comment.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Poodles?
Hoof's, bleating, not eating dog food, weird bowel movements (in comparison to a dog) how do you not know?
Inbox
Everyone has a cough at our house right now. I'm not sure if it's a cold or just allergies.
We re coming to the end of a lot of our current activities and our school year. PE ended Tuesday for the spring. We have 3 weeks left of AWANA. We have about 4 weeks left of dance and a recital. Soccer was to end on the 5th, but we had a game rained out. Now our season is extended to the 12th, but we have a family reunion that day and won't be here. Our coaches are considering a tournament the same day as V's recital the 19th. We'll see how it all goes down. This spring has been fun, but wild.
May 4th and 5th are busy for us. We have the homeschool convention in OKC (we are just going to the vender's to pick up and finalize our curriculum selection Friday AM). Jonathan also wants to got o the Pawnee Steam and Gas Engine Show and our soccer game is at 10:30 Saturday.
We are going to have to start gating. The babies have each climbed a step now. They each have 2 teeth, but I believe they are working on more.
Jackson is in the terrible three's (terrible two's are a lie). Issues at 2 are a lack of communication and 3's are open defiance. He might live if he's lucky. Ha! Ha!
Jonathan has been made the program engineer are a new Cessna project and he's busy, but things are going well.
I start school at the end of May and I am taking 3 hours this summer (Macro Econ) and 6 this fall (Micro Econ and Music Appreciation).
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Baptism Cannonball
Why didn't I think of this when I got baptised? This kid gets it, loving Christ should be fun!
*39 in my inbox
WIsdom in the woods
Finally, at the end of the afternoon, the first man looked with disgust at the substantially smaller pile of wood that he had chopped. Exasperated, he said to the second man, “This is impossible. I’ve been working much harder than you all day. You’ve taken lots of breaks. What were you doing during those breaks?” The second man replied, “Sharpening my axe.”
*44 in my inbox
Travel Directions
Click on Maps
Click on get Directions
From New York,New York
To Paris,France
And read line # 23
I received this from Kilikina
*Now I'm down to 45 e-mails and all e-mails are still read.
Twins (I read it I didn't write it)
There's two to dry,
There's two to argue
There's two to cry.
One's in the mud
Having a ball.
The other holds a crayon
Another marked wall.
Some days seems endless
My patients grows thin.
Why was I chosen
To be a mother of twins.
The answer comes clear
At the end of each day,
As I tuck them in bed
And to myself say.
There's two to kiss
There's two to hug,
And best of all
There's two to love.
(Poem From Twins Poetry Website and found in a TMOM's newsletter)
Mine aren't old enough to cause too much trouble, but reading this poem reminds me of Jackson. He causes more trouble then any set of multiples could ever imagine. I'm afraid of what he will teach the other 2 boys. ;-D
The Cuttlefish
*The preview times at aunder 2 minutes.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
E-Mail Overload (UPDATED)
Last week I went through my inbox. I hadn't been opening my forwards and I had been bad about deleting things I knew I wouldn't or didn't need to open. I had 195 unread e-mails. I had almost 400 in my inbox. I decided I needed to clean it out. Did I read most of the forwards i received? Sadly, no. I read a few that the titles caught my eye and everything my husband sent, that was it. I know have 74 e-mails and all have been read. There are a few that are funny and I would like to share, so as I continue to clean out my inbox (I'm pushing for 20 or less) I will post several funny or thought provoking e-mails.
UPDATE
I'm down to 50.
Monday, April 23, 2007
New links
Friday, April 20, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Dissatisfaction
My processing of information and formulation of anything witty or of note is nonexistent lately. My current distaste for my own ramblings has slowed my computer time and I have been accomplishing more with my family particularly with V's school and our plans for next year. I guess that a good thing.
I will still be around, but until I feel I have something funny, thought provoking or important to say I think my time here at GFaW will mainly be updates of my family.
As an aside, I weened the twins Friday. I am in a little bit of pain still, but I should be good by Thursday or Friday. I am also enrolled in 3 hours for the summer and 6 hours for the fall online through Oklahoma City Community College. Taking my courses by distance education through them cost me 1/2 of the state university here in town. I can get 9 classes I need much cheaper.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Dyson Slim Vacuum
I have found a reason to blog though and I thought I'd spread the news which I heard over at Babysteps. 5 Minutes for Mom is giving away a Dyson Slim Vacuum. You can enter on their page. I doubt I will win, but if I did it would save me from having to ask for a new vacuum for my birthday or Mother's Day, and boy how I could use one. The boys are crawling and my vacuum picks up so little I am employing the Shop Vac about half the time to keep junk out of their mouths.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Out of Commission
Have a great weekend!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Done.
The other computer is still down. Pictures will come later.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Pictures
Weening, teething, soccer and life in general.
-The prayer request I had posted has turned out well. Everything looked good when she went to see the specialist. She has to go back just in case later.
-The twins moved to the crib 2 nights ago. They've been sleeping in separate bassinets. Alexander figured out how to pull up last night in it and I moved them. Now we have to get another crib so they can stretch out and not wake each other up. Owen stole A-Dawgs covers too. Twins are awesome, everyone should have a set. The boys are also both cutting teeth. FUN!
-We started soccer for V the last week in Feb. Life is super busy with her, between homeschooling, church, soccer, dance, PE and Awana. No one can say my homeschooler isn't socialized. ;-D She is a math wiz and is doing some multiplication (in her head) in the first grade. WILD!
-J is wild and insane. Oh, to be 3 again. He is going to be a total heartbreaker and he thinks he's a Power Ranger.
-We are planting another 500 blackberry plants out where we used to live. (Insane, yes, but not my idea)
-I'm trying to get over a cough that my allergies gave me and Jonathan is just being mister cool. He's been given a new program at work and he is thrilled.
-Life is good! I'm so glad it's warming up! I wore shorts the last 2 days-my legs are sooooo white!
-I haven't died my hair back blond yet, I've had conflicts the last 2 Friday's. I'm pushing to make it happen this Friday (Jonathan said he'd make it happen for me).
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Prayer Request
Saturday, February 24, 2007
OK Go - Here It Goes Again
Amazing!
If I had 8 treadmills and 3 willing friends I would have to try and recreate this. This is definitely worth 3 minutes of your time. For a good laugh.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Ways to Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity .
1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.
2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.
3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.
4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."
5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.
6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write " For Smuggling Diamonds"
7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy."
8. Don't use any punctuation
9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.
10. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.
11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."
12. Sing Along At The Opera.
13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme?
14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play tropical Sounds All Day.
15 Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In The Mood.
16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.
17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"
18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot, Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"
19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner. "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."
20. And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity.......
Send This To Someone To Make Them Smile.
Its Called ..... therapy
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Drugs?
I’m not sure what all she’s done, but I know since dumping her scrubby hubby, she’s acting like a crazy kid given freedom for the first time and being totally irresponsible (something I don’t relate to in all honesty). Her latest high jinx has her shaving her head. I thought this was just some weird makeover or a desperate cry for help, but my husband had a different spin. I was surprised that he mentioned this; because he cares less then anyone would what any celebrity does.
Jonathan mentioned that this was discussed at work. Can’t you picture it engineers sitting around discussing celebrity scandal? He reminded me that she is in an ongoing custody battle and that drug use (even long ago) can be detected in your hair. She has since entered rehab. Maybe the shaved head was a calculated move to prevent detection of her bad habits and to help her in the custody case. That’s a spin I haven’t heard yet, but I think it has merit.
I’ll be honest, I feel sorry for her kids. I would hate to be raised in a media circus and I hope that what is best for them comes through in the end. Kids don’t get a choice to who they are born and in what circumstances they have to live in. I just wish them some stability and maturity from someone in their life that loves them. They certainly need it.
The votes are in.
Oh, forget it, I’m not funny.
In all sincerity thank you all for your opinions, they are very appreciated. Though the brown will be easier to maintain I am going to dye it blond again. I like looking at older pictures and myself and seeing similarities. I’m not sure the brown is really me (personality wise), even though it looks good.
I’m also eager to have people tell me that I look too young to have 4 kids (I used to hear that all the time), I haven’t heard it since I dyed my hair. What can I say? I am a little shallow. Yes, it's sad I know.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Blond vs. Brunette (please comment)
The kicker comes in his statement yesterday (just over 3 weeks of me with brown hair). He asked, “How much would it cost each month to keep you blond? I like the brown, but I prefer the blond.” I was able to tell him he it isn’t a monthly expense; it’s a 6-8 week expense.
So know the debate is on, blond or brunette (check my pictures to see pics of both). Cast your vote.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Make it stop!
It’s just one of those mom days. If you’re a mom you know what I’m talking about. It’s the day where you just want to “call in sick” or “leave early”, because it has been so bad. This is a sad statement since it’s not even 10:30 am and we’ve only been up for about 2 ½ hours.
I guess it goes back to last night. My sleep style nursing bras were all dirty, so I wore a regular nursing bra to bed (it has under wires), this resulted in major milk leakage and clogged ducts from the wires. I hosed 2 shirts last night. It’s hard to sleep well when you’re soggy.
I woke up and all of the kids were happy. I love it when we are all happy together in the morning. This went away soon when I told Victoria to go and get dressed. She said, “No.” That’s always a big mistake. She did go and get dressed, but complained about how I had matched up her socks incorrectly in her drawer. Guess what? I didn’t match up her socks, but she blames me. Instead of re-matching her socks, she throws them out into the hallway (not in anger). I inform her to rematch them correctly and to get them out of the hall. She looks at me like I’ve told her to build a nuclear reactor, just totally dumbfounded. I try to explain to her what I want. By this time I’m not pleased, by the time she’s done I’m mad.
We move downstairs and everyone is at least playing or hanging out calmly. Then Jackson needs to use the bathroom. He stands at the regular toilet to pee and he had been using his potty seat for BM. Jonathan has started setting him on the toilet for that since we have no bathroom stool and they broke my kitchen one. Jackson proceeds to poop all over the bathroom. It’s on the floor, the side of the tub, my comb on the edge of the tub, up and down his legs, on the front of his shirt and jacket, and all over his pants and underwear. I’m livid. I give him a shower and clean him and his mess up, while I SCREAM like a banshee at him. *Isn’t that the most effective way to communicate with a 3 year old. (sarcasm emphasized)*
Then I fix the kids bowls of cereal. In the morning I let them watch a show while they eat breakfast (it’s the only time we sit in front of the TV and eat). I place J and V’s bowls of cereal on a TV tray and go sit on the floor to feed the babies their cereal. 3-5 minutes later I hear a bang. I turn and see Victoria’s bowl on the floor over turned (she looks at it and then back at the show), her feet are on the edge of the TV tray. At this point I loose it. Both kids are sent to their beds, so I get a break and can clean up without them around. J gets called down to finish his cereal and he takes his bowl to the kitchen. I follow this with telling V to come down and that she gets nothing else to eat until lunch (since it was 10 I thought 2 hours was okay). I’ve never used this as punishment before, but I get really tired of feeling like a slave.
These are the days that I want to go enroll her in school and find him a preschool. I hope this feeling is just a hold over from being under the weather last week (I still am a little sick). Right now just holds that feeling of needing a vacation from my job. I really just need some time off.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Call me crazy.
Yes, I know, in what free time do I have to go back to school? I’m still thinking about it.
As it stands I can’t finish my Aerospace Engineering Degree here and if I traveled to the nearest town with an engineering program I could only get a Mechanical. These degrees are also ON campus degrees and I don’t have the time right now and I may never.
So, why am I thinking about going back to school and what do I plan on doing? I always planned on finishing a degree. I looked online at the university that has a satellite campus 7-8 blocks from our house. Since I obviously can’t go engineering I plan to change my major to business. This school has a Business Administration Degree with an Entrepreneur option. Jonathan would like to eventually start his own company (for those of you who don’t know he has filed 1 patent). This would be helpful. When I went through and figured up my hours and the classes I have to have; I am 24 classes and 69 hours away from done. 14 of those classes can be taken online. I love online courses I will begin this summer with one 3-hour ECON course. I will maintain at 3 hours and increase to 6-9 hours when (and if) I feel I can. This will take a minimum of 3.5 years(based on my planned number of hours), but it will probably take longer.
It may seem crazy. I have 4 kids and I homeschool, but this is one thing I know I can do. Once the twins are weaned and sleeping through the night better this will be possible.
I’ve been talking to Jonathan about it and he is supportive of this and is willing to do what he needs to do to help me make this happen. He’s excited and intrigued by the entrepreneurial courses. I am sending off for my latest transcript and I have filled out my application. I’ll be ready to go when this summer hits and homeschooling goes on a brief hiatus.
I may be crazy, but as I’ve said before I’ve learned to accept it.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
It's doing it again!
This picture is from across the street. Parts of our 3 porch roofs still have snow (or ice). You can still see 2 mounds on each side of my front porch roof where it pours off the roof.
This picture is from one of our side porches and looks across to the art gallery across the street. Yes, there is an art gallery across the street (it's too cool). The drive in front is still a solid sheet of ice. I walked across to talk to Jody (the owner) and I almost fell on my rear (again). The last thing I need is my tail bone bruised again. It still isn't totally healed.
Oh, well let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. I've never seen this much snow in my life in Oklahoma. I'm ready to see it go.
CONGRATS!
Congrats! Cooper is adorable! I hope you all are doing well, sleep when you can!
Yoga and the Alternative
I have found and alternative I am eager to buy and try. It's called Praise Moves, the Christian Alternative to Yoga. This is really interesting and they have a kids version and a non Christian version for the public school system called Power Moves.
This morning before we began Victoria's school work we did my Power Yoga for Energy video, just to get her focused. I hadn't done it in a while, but it felt really good to stretch and get myself energized. I think Praise Moves Kids would be great for her, she really liked it.
Home Improvement II (Pictures)
For the moment here is a before and during photo of one wall of the dining room. This room will be painted 2 tone. The top will be a spicy brown mustard color and below chair rail height will be a red/brown (almost mahogany or dark cherry wood) color wash.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Home Improvement (UPDATED)
Kelly I will post pictures as soon as I find my camera to dump them. I love my kids, but I wish they would leave my camera alone. :)
******
Saturday my family came up to celebrate Jackson's birthday. The usual things occurred, we ate, opened presents, hung out, played, moved furniture and started a home improvement project in a matter of about 5 hours. Projects and furniture moving ended up on the list. This is a strange, yet normal phenomena in my family.
Jonathan and I have a great and old house in NE Oklahoma (it's in the photo album). It's just under 2800 square feet with a 900 square foot attic that has a full set of stairs to it. Sometime in the 1970's the owners paneled most of the house followed by the next owners adding insane amounts of decoupage(sp?) to the mix. The house is structurally sound, but it is a restoration project. Jonathan and I love these projects and do most of the work ourselves.
My mom and I were in the dinning room which is currently another living room since we don't have a table big enough to do it justice right now. We were talking about moving the game table Victoria does most of her schooling at to the window so she had more light. Thus the furniture began to move.
Later my sister asked Jonathan what needed to be done to take the paneling down. We hadn't started that, b/c we removed paneling upstairs and it was glued and nailed to the walls. The walls were Sheetrock, so it ripped of the top layer of paper and it was a big skimming job. We assumed the downstairs was still plaster under the paneling or that it was glued to Sheetrock. We really weren't in the mood to remove plaster yet or to skim 10 foot walls. So we just hadn't started.
Jonathan decided to take a butter knife and pry back a peace of paneling. Guess what? No glue and no plaster. The walls were Sheetrock underneath. Trim and paneling soon was removed. We are going to do one wall at a time. Jonathan and I went and bought paint that night. Jonathan has since removed the 2 feet of acoustic spray from he wall. With 10 foot ceilings they put up an 8 foot piece of paneling and then applied 2 feet of acoustic spray to the wall the crown molding (I said it was a restoration project). We are relieved. We are now patching and skimming the wall. We hope to paint and faux finish the wall by the end of next week. Then it's one wall down and 3 to go.
Back with 4 posts.
Since I can't use my blogger as easily as before I've been using myspace more. I don't really like myspace. One funny thing has happened, I was warned that it was addictive. Now regardless of my dislike of it, I must admit I am addicted. Myspace is Internet CRACK. Yes, My name is Sara and I am a myspace addict. I may have to delete my account, maybe not.
The more things change...
Last week was a big week at our house. My hair wasn't the only groovy thing.
For those of you who don't know Jonathan is an aerospce enigneer and he is a program manager/design engineer of aircraft interiors. Jonathan had his review at work last Thursday and he heared Monday that he is being promoted to Senior Engineer (or level III). This is totally awesome (we love raises)! He started at this company 1 1/2 years ago at a level I (because he changed the area he worked in). One of the guys he works with said, "It's about damn time they promoted you to Sr." Needless to say he's walking on cloud 9. We have no confirmation yet, but it looks like he may be the only one to make Sr out of the level II's.
Pediatric Purgatory
At least it's not as crazy as The Incredible Pizza Company.
10 years
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Happy 3rd Birthday Jackson!
Tomorrow we are making a trip to the city. Our local Wal-Mart hasn't stocked the toys back up yet. We will be making a trip to Toy's R Us and/or Target and maybe even Chuck E Cheese. We had planned on buying his gifts last Friday, but with the storm we haven't left the house since Saturday morning. Jonathan has only left for work. I hope what's coming Saturday isn't as much as they think.
Blogger Help
Users who have their Internet Explorer security settings set to “High” may have trouble logging in. After signing in, they see a “Click here to continue” link that does nothing. One work around is to right-click on this link and choose “Open in a new window.” — latest update on Saturday, December 09, 2006
Labels: google accounts, internet explorer, login, outstanding
I found this. I've already found this work around on my own over a week ago. Unfortunately it doesn't help when I'm not logged in and want to post a comment on one of the blogs I frequent. I am now a lurker, because I lose my comment. Also this work around doesn't always work. When I went into Internet Explorer to check my security settings I found nothing that said mine were set to high, so I can't remedy it there. Mine are currently custom set and I'm not seeing what could cause the problem.
If you are having a similar problem I hope this helps. The "click to continue" is also in a pale color and almost impossible to see. I really don't like having to log in every 5 minutes. It is now a hassle.
Does anyone manage to stay logged in to blogger for more then one Internet session? I'm booted even if I just shut the page, but don't log out of my browser.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Time Out
I have changed my cookie settings and I have looked through help files. I have even been offered help from fellow bloggers, but I've already tried the solutions before. As my frustration mounts my time on blogger is less. Though I hate myspace, I am using it more often, because at least I can post without hassle. I am reading your pages and if you check here thank you for checking in. I hope to be up and running again soon, but until then with this brief post I bid you farewell.
Friday, January 05, 2007
I HATE BETA!
Here is Jackson after his first fun dip. He ate the stick quickly and then used his finger. It was green apple. I don't remember that flavor from my youth, but times change.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Snopes
When I received the e-mail snopes had no information regarding this e-mail on their site. I sent them an e-mail on the 6th of December with a copy of the e-mail and pictures and on the 8th of December there was a link to the story. I feel pretty cool. I got to submit a story to Snopes (I wasn't the only one, but I still feel cool).
If you ever get an e-mail, and you think can this possibly be true, check it out. It's definitely worth checking instead of sending on crazy or wrong info.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
It's a big day!
1. Jonathan and I were married 8 years ago today.
On Sunday, December 27, 1998 I married my best friend. It amazes me that it’s been 8 years. We have 4 beautiful children and we have been through a lot. We have been poor (hungry at night poor) and in college. We entered the world of Jonathan being a professional. We have bought 2 houses and moved twice over the course of a year and a half. We have triumphed in the face of obstacles and we have rejoiced over even the smallest of victories. We have a lot more room to grow as adults, spouses and parents, and we are always able to talk about everything.
I have heard people say that they grew apart from their spouse, but Jonathan and I only seem to be getting closer. We are in tune with each other’s interests and passions and we love to share with each other. I couldn’t be more blessed. I’m not saying we don’t fight, but it’s so nice to know that I am married to a man who is as crazy about me as I am about him. It’s nice to know that we see our marriage from another side as well, the side that reminds us that love is more than an emotion it’s a daily commitment.
Jonathan thank you for all of the little things you do; like helping me cook, going to the store with me and even reading books with me. Thank you for the big things you do too; like putting in a utility room and helping de-ugly the house, helping me with the house work, understanding me and trying to keep me in check. You are the best. You are my rock.
2. The twins are 6 months old.
The boys are both around 13 lbs a piece. They are rolling and desperately want to stand and crawl. They are eating cereal and fruits and vegetables and a little bit of formula. Feeding the some other food has allowed my body to finally let go of more baby weight without any effort. I’ve lost about 8 lbs in the last 3 weeks. I'm still nursing so I will hold on to the last 10-15 lbs until done. I know I’m behind on picture postings and I need to update the photo album, but I need to find more time to sit at the computer to do it.
3. We all have a cold or some type of allergy that is messing up our sinuses.
We all have a lot of sinus pressure, scratchy/sore throats with that dry cough that sounds fake, we also have a bit of that medicine head feeling without the medicine.
My frustration with people who make meth came to a head yesterday when I couldn’t get a hold of any form of Sudafed for the kids without a bunch of other junk in it. I understand combo formulas are very popular, but if my kid doesn’t need everything I won’t give it to them. I went to more then one pharmacy in search of children’s Sudafed to go with the Claritin and Motrin I had already bought. I couldn’t get what I needed so I called several pharmacies here in town today and I’ve found it at one. Thank you meth makers for making it so much harder to buy medication for my children and myself. I bet I’ll be on a watch list for the amount of Sudafed I’ve bought lately.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Fun. Fun. Fun.
It's going around town and it's going around in Norman too, so chances are it's going around where you live. Keep your hands washed and I wish you the best.
Finished
I think I have Jackson convinced not to take the ornaments off the tree, finally. We only decorated the entryway. We are desperately trying to de-ugly the house and too much will get in the way of progress.
Dang, the mail just came and I got my first Christmas card. Now I have to find something to do with these! Okay, I thought I was done at least this isn’t much.
I’ll take and post pics soon. It turned out cool. I decorated the tree the lazy womans way. I stuck artificial poinsettia heads on the tree so we didn’t have as many ornaments to put on (the kids lost interest fast).
In other news illness has passed, Jonathan felt bad yesterday, but he’s okay today. At least when he's sick the mess hits the trashcan and toilet. I now have to finish the laundry and mop the living room and office (I love hardwood floors). I managed to take the chair cushion out of its cover and took Lysol to it and I upholstery cleaned the cover last night. The kids are still tired. I’m the only one left standing (not counting the babies), lets see if I can last.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Vomit
The 2 older kids are sick and J refuses to use a trashcan or the toilet, which means frequent mop-ups and costume changes. Fun!
I hope Jon, the twins and I don’t get this
Monday, December 04, 2006
Could I be anymore stupid?
Well, you know what they say…it’s all fun and games until someone looses an eye (or bruises their tailbone).
Yes, I cried like a baby-thankfully my family were the only people there at the moment.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Blizzard?!?!? (updated)
Last night’s conversation
Victoria: “Have you and mom ever been in a blizzard?”
Jonathan: “No, we live in Oklahoma, we don’t really have blizzards.”
I just called him at work and he couldn’t believe it. I told him if he wasn’t certain he would finish today to pack up and come home. I’d rather him get home now and go in tomorrow, then have a wreck in the ¼ mile visibility and the underlying ice slick. We’ll see what he decides.
(UPDATE)
Little convincing of the husband is required when they decide to close the plant. When the shop guys aren't there the engineering guys get to go home too! YIPEE!
Daddy did you know?
Jeremy I hope it gives you a laugh.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Deep Freeze
It is currently 33 degrees and we are expecting a foot of snow. The high Thursday is supposed to be 29 with a low of 15.
Oklahoma has the screwiest weather.
Jonathan's heater in his car isn't working. He'll be taking my car to work tomorrow.
What we have here is a failure to communicate.
Times of stress (that should be times of joy) like the holidays can heighten communication struggles.
I guess it’s safe to say we all have our issues. Maybe if we could communicate better with God, we could communicate better with each other.
Just a thought.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
The Tumbleweed
I lived in Stillwater for about 6 years, and I only went to “The Weed” about 4 or 5 times. The last time was over 6 years ago. It wasn’t my idea of a good time, but to many Stillwater area residents it is THE thing to do on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. People loved and flocked to the Calf Fry (something I had no intention of trying), my cousin even called when she was coming up to a concert with Tone Loke.
I won’t miss “The Weed”, but I do wonder what that group of OSU students will do for fun, cow tipping perhaps.
Monday, November 27, 2006
You can't say I never gave you anything! ;)
5 recipes.
I should have been witty and come up with a 12 days of Christmas theme and given you 12 days worth totaling 78 recipes, but I’m not that dedicated at the moment (and I doubt I have that many recipes I use), maybe next year.
2 simple dinners (we can all use something quick this time of year)
The first I’ve posted about before, this is a Rachel Ray 30 minute meal (it takes me closer to 45 without a helper for me). The chicken lettuce wraps are a lot like the ones at Pei Wei and P. F. Chang’s. I even use it as a salad topping with no dressing instead of making wraps sometimes.
The second is too easy; it is a simple homemade Vegetable beef soup. This one requires no measuring and minimal prep. Just brown some ground beef (you choose the amount). Get a large pot and dump a can or 2 of Veg-All, a can or 2 of sliced new potatoes, a can of whole green beans, 3 beef bullion cubes and some seasoned salt and pepper. Add whatever amount of water you desire. Bring it to a boil; reduce it to a simmer for 15 minutes (or how ever long you feel, simmer longer and just keep checking the water level). This is good reheated and even my kids eat it. In one pan you have multiple veggies, meat, and starch, I love one pot meals and soup on cold days.
1 easy dessert
I made this pumpkin swirl cheesecake for a dinner at our youth minister’s house and it went well. I made it again for Thanksgiving. For Thanksgiving I cheated and didn’t swirl it. I made it strait up pumpkin; this was a nice change to the usual holiday desserts. The ginger snap crust is so good. If you’ve never made a cheesecake before the videos on the page were very helpful. I’d never used a spring form pan before either.
2 recipes for the price of 1
This is the recipe for the rolls I blogged about before. This is a super simple and delicious dough. It is knead free and takes about 10 minutes to mix up. The time is mostly in letting the stuff rise, but it is well worth it. I usually make a double batch and make one batch of cinnamon and one batch of dinner rolls. By doing this you have breakfast on the go and rolls for your holiday dinner or whenever you want. Both freeze and reheat very well. I’ve been known to freeze meal size quantities of dinner rolls, so we don’t eat them, and I just pull them from our deep freeze with our dinner meat when I need them.
Cinnamon/Dinner Roll Dough
1 cake of yeast
3 tbsp warm water
Dissolve yeast in water (to check yeast activation add a very small pinch of sugar and stir in, if it begins to bubble yeast is activated).
2 eggs beaten
½ c Crisco
1 tsp salt
½ c sugar
1 c warm water
Mix together well and add yeast. Gradually stir in 4 c of flour. Cover bowl with a dish towel, if used the same day allow to rise 2-3 hours (may be stored in the refrigerator over night).
Cinnamon Rolls
After rising, divide in half. Roll on floured counter into a rectangle with dough about ¼” thick. Melt a stick of butter or margarine and brush onto the dough all the way to the edges. In a container with a lid combine ½ c dark brown sugar, ½ c white sugar and ground cinnamon, shake until well mixed. Shake ½ of the mixture onto the dough (don’t apply to the last inch on the 1 of the long edges) spread evenly and smoothly with hand. Roll like a jellyroll from the long edge that has cinnamon. Cut into 1” rolls with dental floss or a piece of string. Place in a greased pan, but not too closely. Let rise 2 hours.
Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
Glaze with ¼ c butter or margarine, ½ c of powdered sugar and 2 tsp milk. Soften butter at room temperature and use a fork to combine butter and powdered sugar, add milk and heat for about 30 seconds on medium in the microwave. Mix well and spoon over hot rolls.
Dinner Rolls
Divide into 4ths and roll into circles about ¼” thick. Brush with melted butter and cut into wedges. Roll from edge to point. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Let rise 2-3 hours.
Bake 6-10 minutes at 425 degrees. Time varies upon cookie sheet and oven and desired doneness.
I use airbake pans and a temp closer to 450 degrees for 10 minutes, on the lower middle rack.
I hope someone can use these for some holiday help.
Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
Friday, November 24, 2006
Thankful
I can’t believe it was Thanksgiving Day that the test came up + last year. Looking back over the blog it’s amazing to see the changes in our life.
Last year we were still making 2 house payments and paying 2 sets of utilities. We thought we were only having 1 baby. We only had 1 car. We hadn’t found a church yet. I didn’t have a utility room (we are trimming ours now, I’ll post pics soon). Life was just so different.
Now we are a family of 6 with 2 cars and 1 house. We have a church home we love. Yep, lots to be thankful for, change this year has been good.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Blogger for Word
HAPPY ...
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
&
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DREW!
(Your birthday is more important I should have listed it first, we love you)
We are off to Kansas for dinner with Jonathan’s family.
Today in preparation I made a big pot of chili (not for Thanksgiving), 120 more rolls, and a pumpkin cheesecake.
I pray safe travel for you all and that you all have much to be thankful for. I know I do.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Classy
It’s a football game. This emphasizes what I have said all along, OSU is more concerned about the OU game then OU is. OSU isn’t OU’s biggest rival and I think that tweeks them.
I’m with the kid who doesn’t want to pay $20 more for an OSU ticket then for an OU/Texas one. Heck, for $100 you can get an OU/Texas ticket and a tank of gas to get to Dallas and have a lot more to do. When I was a freshman at OSU (1997) a ticket to bedlam at Norman was $40. I personally wouldn’t spend $80-$100 bucks a ticket when I can watch the game on TV from the comfort of my living room.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Ready. Set. Cook!
I’ve missed my stove since we moved (it’s in the garage). It’s been a year and a half since I’ve used it. I bought it in Stockyard City in OKC at a place called Tyson’s. They referb old stoves. My friend Kara’s just went out and she went and bought an old Chambers as well (think Rachel Ray). She called raving about her cooking experience and I missed mine even more. I’m so ready to cook on a gas stove that I can actually adjust to a simmer and that doesn’t have oven temperature fluctuations between 100 degrees too hot and 50 degrees too cold.
Ducktales (Part 2)
I don’t like to be the parent that plants their kid in front to the TV, but this has been handy when I’ve needed a minute to myself. I will admit I’ve also enjoyed just sitting and watching too.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
R.I.P.
| 'What will your obituary say?' at QuizGalaxy.com |
| 'What will your obituary say?' at QuizGalaxy.com |
I'll miss Leaky too, Prince Charles I won't.
I like the second one better. Obviously I must stop laughing now. I know I have a warped sense of humor. I didn't know it would kill me.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
My Accent
| What American accent do you have? Your Result: The West Your accent is the lowest common denominator of American speech. Unless you're a SoCal surfer, no one thinks you have an accent. And really, you may not even be from the West at all, you could easily be from Florida or one of those big Southern cities like Dallas or Atlanta. | |
| The Midland | |
| Boston | |
| North Central | |
| The Inland North | |
| Philadelphia | |
| The South | |
| The Northeast | |
| What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes | |
Addicted to rolls.
I will concede that my sister may make the best, but I think I love to make them the most.
Today I made 4 batches for a total of 128 rolls. I made 64 Saturday and took 30 to church and we ate the other 34 by Monday night. I’m going to have to freeze these so I have some next week for Thanksgiving.
Mmmm, dinner rolls –insert Homer Simpson drooling here-
Monday, November 13, 2006
They say...
It’s defiantly something I need more of today. Today’s lesson was retched. I understand the concept of ADHD, but to me after reading the symptoms I think MOST (not all) kids diagnosed with it aren’t, they are just being children. Children must be taught to control the urges of childhood. Today the urges reigned supreme.
Today we had serious focus issues. Focus issues make me cranky and then I push harder. When I push harder she can’t focus even more. It’s a vicious cycle.
I hope I can remain calmer and that our work progresses better tomorrow. These are the days I question why I homeschool (not for her, but for me). My life would be much more simple without it, but I think I can provide a really great education for her with plenty of varied socialization and activities.
Some days I just have to remember what a waste of time school was (for me) and how much I hated that I could cover everything I needed in half a day in high school. I just want her to be able to learn more and experience more. I want life to be her education; I want her to expand beyond the standard confines of walls, desks and curriculum. I don’t want her to conform to what school produces I want her to excel beyond that. I know she can and that I am responsible for helping her reach that height.
I just have to find my happy place before I ram her math book down her throat. –enter chanting- I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful. (repeat)
Monday, November 06, 2006
VOTE...(Updated)
Just a reminder if you intend to vote, Tuesday is the big day.
If you don’t intend to vote, please ignore this message (I’d rather you not vote if you don’t care).
Have a great Tuesday!
UPDATE
I voted straight party today. I was well informed and knew what I was voting, no lingering over my ballot. State questions and judges, the whole nine yards. I was there and gone while many were having to sit and read theirs. I love being decisive and prepared.
I didn’t get an “I Voted” sticker, I was a bit bummed about that.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
All dressed up...(Updated)
Victoria is a Punk Rocker. She is also never allowed to wear make-up agian (she looks too old I can't handle it). I never thought my precious 6 year old would look good as a Goth. I made her guitar out of plywood.
UPDATE-For those wondering why I linked "Victoria is a Punk Rocker" to the Ramones site, the Ramones have a song called "Sheena is a Punk Rocker." Other days it would be because they have a song called "Beat on the Brat". Just Kidding! -insert singing-

Jackson when informed he finally got to wear his Red Mysitc Ranger costume (he picked it out) informed me he wanted to be a “punk rocket”.
They were ready to hit a total of 9 houses. We only went to houses of people we know. Traffic was slow to get candy here. We still have a ton of candy and we were giving out small handfuls. The kids had a blast handing out candy and seeing others costumes.
I wish I had gotten a pic of a group of high school students who came by. They were actually collecting canned goods for the Salvation Army (of course I gave them candy too). Their costumes were great and they asked Victoria to give them a concert and she sang in the entryway. It was a total hoot.
Cutie babies are now over 4 months old and about 9 ½ lbs each. Owen is in blue and Alex is in the white print. For Halloween they went as a mirror image. Ha. Ha.

Aren't they cheesy!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Myspace.com
Monday, October 23, 2006
Sunday, October 22, 2006
The Divine Conspirator
This is a book that I am finding is easiest to process while reading out loud and with a pencil to mark things I find important (I’m glad I bought it). This is very hard for me, even in school textbooks. I just detest marking books up. Hearing it, seeing it and making notes is improving my processing, unfortunately it is taking a long time to do this (reading allowed requires quiet children). I’m only on page 10. This book is written by a man who means and uses every word he puts to print. It’s evident to me why I am a science and math person and not a philosophy person.
Here is a little interesting info on the author. I thought this was a good article about who this man is and where he comes from as a Christian and a USC Philosophy professor.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Breaking an addiction
On the illness front I am much better. Currently hay fever is still running rampant at our house and Victoria has pink eye, but we are doing very well.
Two new things are also taking my time. I started journaling a couple of weeks ago. It hasn’t been daily, but it’s a good way to vent and ponder things. I also just started a book by Dallas Willard called The Divine Conspiracy. It’s a long and in depth book. It will be taking a lot of my time as well.
This coming weekend is our only one this month with nothing planned and no long drive to go on, so I’ll try to post pictures again soon. The twins will be 4 months old on the 27th and the have both finally broken the 9 lb marker.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Still down
Victoria’s schooling has been sporadic at best this week. We’ve even had non-curriculum related lessons. When you can’t do much else flash card exercises requires no table work. Jonathan also has done some schooling in the evening. Victoria has been a big help when I’ve been down. Homeschooling is very nice for me when I’m sick, I have a helper and if we miss a day or 2 of school it’s no big deal to just make it up on Saturday and/or Sunday.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Yuck and stuff
Readers Digest Version of events:
I got a cut and color Friday and I had Mindi pink (it’s more of a fuchsia) streak my hair. Yes it’s a bit off the wall, but I needed a crazy change. It’s different and kind of neat. I’ll find out later this month if it clashes with the dresses for Staci’s wedding. If it does I’ll change it, other wise I think I’ll keep it, but darken the rest of my hair a bit more. Instead of blond with brown and pink streaks I’ll make it Brown with blond and pink streaks.
I have a stomach bug and working out, eating and most everything else is going on the back burner. The kids are getting loads of TV time. I’ve lost 2 lbs today already. Thankfully when I decided this wasn’t going away, I had the things the doctor said I could take and I don’t have to load up the kids to go in and get checked.
And the beat goes on…
Monday, September 25, 2006
Totally random
I’ll be honest I was good and didn’t.
How do you tell if a person is feeding you a line of bull? I’m not great at discerning if people (enter the word acquaintances) are telling me the truth. I’m not totally gullible, but when I question a person’s honesty, it takes me a while to be totally sure. I wish there was a trick for when you think people are being tricky or dishonest.
It’s warm, almost toasty outside. We ran the attic fan last night and it’s outright cold in our house. I need a sweatshirt indoor and a t-shirt outdoors. I love fall.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Music
I have come to the conclusion that I am old (not really) because my favorite station now is the classic rock station. I’m now feeling very “1985”, not the whole song mind you, but things like when did Motley Crue become classis rock? For that matter when did Pearl Jam? I do prefer my rock & roll, alternative, and 80’s to most (not all mind you) of what’s out today. I will admit I have found mad love for one new song, Nickelback’s Rockstar, the lyrics had me totally cracking up at how it mocks rockers.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
One Last Picture
Pictures Round 2




Victoria begged for us to go to this Indian Summer thing down the street from out house. It was a waste of time with junk dealers and not much else. The only good things (outside of a nice walk) were the good pictures I got at the waaaay over priced pony ride.

Pictures Round 1



I am a proud parent, but I honestly believe that Jackson is the most handsome 2 year old boy I've ever seen. He now informs us that his name is Jack.




Victoria is one tough cookie. Owen is in blue in this pic and Alex (or Xander we're debating now) is in off white.
I'm a bit behind.
The larger memory on the camera has allowed us to take more pics and video. Which takes more time to dump and I’m lazy and hate having to go and rotate the pics that need rotated before I post them. Every time I sit at the computer the bigger two make me crazy, so I’m a bit limited.
Also, Jonathan and I started the Body for Life challenge and we’ve been at the YMCA every night, which limits my time in the evening when he gets home. We aren’t at the Y too long, but I nurse right before we go and right after, plus we have to fix dinner. We’re a bit sore and our evenings are limited, but we feel good.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Scary
Watch. The link will come up blank, but a media player window should open.
What can we teach our kids to make sure this doesn’t happen to them in a real life situation?
More importantly what would you do?
On a lighter note, check out the video of the Karaoke Cabbie in Singapore. This one you'll have to click the search to watch.

